Half-Day Casco Viejo The Real City Guided with a Local Touch Tour

Wonderful tour, plenty of food samples.

Jon is an excellent tour guide and had great knowledge of the neighborhoods we hiked through. You see many local markets and he has great recommendations for all types of food, coffee and other menu items! We truly enjoyed our personal tour through Casco Viejo!

via Tripadvisor

Best tour in Panama!

This tour was an absolute gem. If you want to get out of the touristy areas and see the real Panama, book with John. He will take you to the locals spots and try some really good fresh juices, coffee, and desserts. My entire family loved the tour. Wear your best walking shoes, bring water and a hat. John is very knowledgeable and so kind. There are bathroom stops along the way if you have small kids and air condition stops as well. The people were kind and the history lessons were great. We would definitely take this tour again! Thanks again John.

via Tripadvisor

Great exploration of lesser known parts of the city

I absolutely loved this unique walking tour through some of the local neighborhoods of Panama City. We visited places and met people I never would have otherwise. Each stop was memorable, and Jon’s knowledge of the area was impressive. I appreciated all the tips on where to shop/eat/drink. If you’re looking for something less touristy, this is just the thing.

via Tripadvisor

Casco Viejo and Surrounding Areas

A balanced view of the areas in and around Casco Viejo with a very knowledgeable guide, Jon. Off the beaten path, and we learned a lot about the history of the area. The coffee, pastries and chocolate samples were great. Great for coffee lovers.

via Viator

Don’t do it. Really! It’s very bad.

Don’t waste your time or money on this tour. Jon is an American who has lived in Panama for 3.5 years. He may have some knowledge of Panamanian history and culture, but it’s minimal, AND he talks in fragmented sentences and with disjointed logic. Truly, of seven of us (from 92 to 13 years of age) no one could understand what in the hell he was talking about. He also disparaged the government and other institutions, which seemed off-color for a guest in the country — though I suppose he has the right to do so. He took us to a coffee shop and ordered two cups of coffee and one pastry to share or “taste” between the 8 of us. But it was nothing special or unique. He poured us some juice that he had bought along the way. My son’s juice had a fly wing in it. OK, we’re in a third world country, and I had adjusted my expectations accordingly, but I’ll take my juice sans wings. Then, Jon wanted to finish whatever we didn’t eat — like it was his only meal. The chocolate tasting was fine, and he bought us a chocolate bar, but meh. Who cares? And, for what it’s worth, my son’s two years of high school Spanish was almost as good as Jon’s, which is to say, terrible. We stopped to tour after that because he took us to the slums of the area, where the roads — and what little sidewalks there were — were filled with craters and dog feces and trash. Certainly, do not take this tour if you are not able to walk on rough terrain. He showed us no beautiful buildings or UNESCO Heritage sites — just poverty gardens and squatter houses, where he lectured us on “poor people are not criminals.” I will say one nice thing about Jon: I had accidentally cancelled this tour. When I realized my mistake, I called him, and he graciously met us late and in good spirits. I just wish I would have actually canceled it because it was awful. Save your money and walk around and explore. It’s a beautiful place filled with beautiful people and cultures. Just stay away from this NEARLY FRAUDULENT tour guide.

Response from the operator: I am very clear that I don't focus on UNESCO Heritage sites and focus on the local areas that are far more interesting. The goal of this tour is to understand the real Panama with an average income last year of $734/month. Many people here are struggling and poor. I'm very clear that the focus is the local area, so not touristic areas. Many people offer what you were seeking. I speak high B1 spanish. You must be very proud of your son as a B2 level speaker, I'm impressed. I also am direct and don't disparage but say the truth. Also, my mother taught me never to waste food. I also give leftovers to the homeless people I know who are very appreciative, as many people don't have enough here. Please read the intent of the experiences you book prior to booking next time and please refrain from bad mouthing professionals who put great passion into what they do.

via Viator